Choosing the right route up Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most important decisions you'll make when planning your trek. Each of the seven official routes offers unique experiences, varying difficulty levels, and different success rates. This comprehensive guide will help you select the perfect route based on your experience, fitness level, budget, and preferences.
Quick Route Comparison
| Route | Days | Difficulty | Success Rate | Scenery | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame | 6-7 days | Moderate | 85% | Excellent | High |
| Lemosho | 7-8 days | Moderate | 90% | Excellent | Moderate |
| Marangu | 5-6 days | Easy-Moderate | 65% | Good | High |
| Rongai | 6-7 days | Moderate | 80% | Good | Low |
| Northern Circuit | 8-9 days | Moderate | 95% | Excellent | Very Low |
| Umbwe | 5-6 days | Very Hard | 50% | Good | Very Low |
| Shira | 7-8 days | Moderate-Hard | 75% | Excellent | Low |
1. Machame Route - "The Whiskey Route"
Most Popular Route
Key Facts
- Duration: 6-7 days
- Distance: 62 km / 37 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Success Rate: 85%
- Accommodation: Camping
Best For
- First-time Kilimanjaro climbers
- Those seeking scenic variety
- Trekkers with moderate fitness
- Budget-conscious climbers
- Those who enjoy camping
Overview
The Machame Route, nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" for being tougher than the "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu), is the most popular path to Kilimanjaro's summit. It offers stunning scenery, excellent acclimatization through its "climb high, sleep low" profile, and a high success rate.
The route approaches from the southwest, passing through five distinct climate zones from lush rainforest to arctic summit. While more challenging than Marangu, the extra day for acclimatization significantly improves summit success rates.
Pros
- • Excellent acclimatization profile
- • Diverse and spectacular scenery
- • High success rate (85%)
- • Good infrastructure and campsites
- • Reasonable pricing
Cons
- • Very crowded, especially in peak season
- • Camping only (no huts)
- • Steeper sections require good fitness
- • Can be muddy in rainy season
2. Lemosho Route
Best Overall Route
Key Facts
- Duration: 7-8 days
- Distance: 70 km / 42 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Success Rate: 90%
- Accommodation: Camping
Best For
- Those prioritizing success rate
- Photographers and nature lovers
- Trekkers wanting fewer crowds
- Those with extra time and budget
Overview
Considered by many to be the best route on Kilimanjaro, Lemosho offers the perfect combination of stunning scenery, excellent acclimatization, and high success rates. The route approaches from the west, traversing the beautiful Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route.
The extra days allow for better acclimatization, resulting in a 90% success rate. The longer duration also means less crowding, especially in the first few days, providing a more wilderness experience.
Pros
- • Highest success rate (90%)
- • Spectacular scenery throughout
- • Excellent acclimatization
- • Less crowded than Machame
- • Diverse ecosystems
Cons
- • More expensive due to longer duration
- • Requires more vacation time
- • Longer drive to trailhead
- • Camping only
3. Marangu Route - "The Coca-Cola Route"
Only Route with Hut Accommodation
Key Facts
- Duration: 5-6 days
- Distance: 64 km / 40 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Success Rate: 65%
- Accommodation: Mountain Huts
Best For
- Those who prefer huts over camping
- Limited time (5-6 days)
- Older trekkers seeking comfort
- Budget-conscious climbers
Overview
The Marangu Route, nicknamed "Coca-Cola Route" due to the availability of soft drinks at the huts, is the oldest and most established route on Kilimanjaro. It's the only route offering sleeping huts instead of camping, making it popular with those seeking more comfort.
However, the route has the lowest success rate (65%) due to its shorter duration and gradual ascent profile, which doesn't allow for optimal acclimatization. The 6-day option significantly improves success rates.
Pros
- • Sleeping huts with beds
- • Shortest route (5-6 days)
- • Gradual, steady ascent
- • Good facilities at huts
- • Less expensive
Cons
- • Lowest success rate (65%)
- • Very crowded
- • Same route up and down
- • Less scenic than other routes
- • Poor acclimatization profile
4. Rongai Route
Best Route for Rainy Season
Key Facts
- Duration: 6-7 days
- Distance: 73 km / 45 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Success Rate: 80%
- Accommodation: Camping
Best For
- Climbing during rainy season
- Those seeking solitude
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Gradual ascent preference
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It's considered one of the easier routes due to its gradual slope and is the best choice during the rainy season as the north side receives less precipitation.
The route offers a more remote wilderness experience with opportunities to see wildlife in the lower sections. It's less scenic than western routes but provides a unique perspective of the mountain.
Pros
- • Driest route (best for rainy season)
- • Less crowded
- • Gradual ascent
- • Wildlife viewing opportunities
- • Good success rate (80%)
Cons
- • Less scenic than western routes
- • Longer drive to trailhead
- • Limited acclimatization
- • Descend via Marangu (same as ascent)
5. Northern Circuit Route
Highest Success Rate
Key Facts
- Duration: 8-9 days
- Distance: 90 km / 56 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Success Rate: 95%
- Accommodation: Camping
Best For
- Maximizing summit success
- Those with ample time and budget
- Seeking solitude and wilderness
- 360° mountain views
Overview
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro, offering the best acclimatization profile and the highest success rate at 95%. The route circles around the northern slopes, providing stunning 360-degree views of the mountain.
This route is perfect for those who want to maximize their chances of summiting while enjoying the most comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience. The extra days allow for excellent acclimatization and a more relaxed pace.
Pros
- • Highest success rate (95%)
- • Best acclimatization
- • 360° views of mountain
- • Very few other trekkers
- • Diverse scenery
Cons
- • Most expensive route
- • Requires 9+ days total
- • Longest distance to cover
- • Limited operator availability
How to Choose Your Route
Choose Based on Your Priority:
Highest Success Rate
Choose: Northern Circuit (95%) or Lemosho (90%)
Best Scenery
Choose: Lemosho or Northern Circuit
Fewest Crowds
Choose: Northern Circuit or Rongai
Best Budget Option
Choose: Marangu or Machame
Limited Time (5-6 days)
Choose: Marangu (but expect lower success rate)
Rainy Season Climb
Choose: Rongai (driest route)
Prefer Huts Over Camping
Choose: Marangu (only route with huts)
Important Considerations
Success Rate Factors
While route choice affects success rates, other factors are equally important:
- • Acclimatization: Longer routes = better acclimatization = higher success
- • Physical fitness: Train for 3-6 months before your climb
- • Mental preparation: Summit night is mentally challenging
- • Guide quality: Choose experienced, reputable operators
- • Proper gear: Quality equipment makes a huge difference
Final Recommendation
For most first-time climbers, we recommend the Lemosho Route (7-8 days) as it offers the best balance of success rate, scenery, acclimatization, and value. If you have extra time and budget, the Northern Circuit provides the highest success rate and most comprehensive experience.
Budget-conscious trekkers should consider the Machame Route, which still offers excellent scenery and good success rates at a lower price point. Avoid the 5-day Marangu route unless you're very experienced with high-altitude trekking.
Remember: the best route is the one that matches your fitness level, available time, budget, and personal preferences. Whichever route you choose, proper preparation and a positive attitude are your keys to success!
Ready to Start Planning Your Kilimanjaro Trek?
Stay at Kilimanjaro Lodge and let us help you arrange your perfect route with trusted operators.